The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 6/5/23

by Lazlo
06/05/2023

Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at releases by Rory D'Lasnow, Baron Praxis, Greg McGarvey & Friends, The Carousers, and retrohaze.

Rory D'Lasnow - "Real". Rory D'Lasnow returns with his first new release since 2021's "Songs From An Empty Room." From the opening notes of his new single he is letting you know that this singer-songwriter is ready to rock! "Real" is a high energy anthem that I have been playing on repeat. The song makes me smile. Can you really ask for anything more than a good feeling from a song?

Baron Praxis - "Ecodial". It all makes sense now why Baron Praxis called their last album, "Precursor". That November 2019 release was good, and showcased a sound their bio describes as "grunge metal band with 90's elements and psychedelic influences".

But now, almost 4 years later Baron Praxis return with a 5 song EP, "Ecodial", and the band has, for lack of any better way to describe it, have become more dynamic. The songwriting, musicianship, and production are stronger. The only thing that could maybe make this better is a full length album, but the adage is always leave them wanting more.

Greg McGarvey & Friends - "crickets surround - live in bucks county". In April of this year, Greg McGarvey & his friends went to Bucks County, PA to perform songs that will appear on his forthcoming album. He filmed the performances and turned them into a fascinating live film (which you can watch here). He also released the live audio as an album, which showcases and more sonically diverse sound than his last LP, "Count The Colors". Greg is clearly inspired by Neil Young, in pushing the boundaries of acoustic & electric music, but does so in a way that thankfully does not sound like Neil Young.





 

Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



The Carousers - "The Future". The Carousers new single, "The Future", is a Pop-Punk Earworm!

retrohaze - "002". Psst... let me let you in on a secret. While retrohaze (Vic Fraternale)'s new album, "002", doesn't officially come out until June 25th, you can get it now from his Bandcamp page. Don't delay, get it today! This album showcases more of the singer-songwriter side of retrohaze's music. Vic himself described this album as being, "inspired more by soft rock - mostly Carole King - piano driven". I'll just add that he interprets those inspirations to his music masterfully.

That's all for this week.

Remember BlowUpRadio.com, plays these and many other New Jersey based artists on our internet radio station, so please check us out. #SupportGoodMusic - If you like any of the above artists, please purchase their music from their site. And if you would like to part of BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable, please send downloads or contact Lazlo at Lazlo-at-BlowUpRadio-dot-com. We're also on Mastodon at https://mstdn.social/@BlowUpRadio


 



Your shows can be listed here for just $10. Click here to learn more.

Don

Don McLean & Lee Greenwood

Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ

Two iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”

 

Song

Song of the Meadowlark

Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 2:30pm
Highland Design Farm
Hopewell, NJ

A meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry and live painting.

 

The

The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Blues guitar virtuoso Nick Moss and harmonica wizard Dennis Gruenling have been on a winning streak since they first joined forces in 2016. With relentless nonstop touring and the release of their Alligator Records debut, The High Cost Of Low Living, in 2018, The Nick Moss Band Featuring Dennis Gruenling has been playing for wildly enthusiastic fans and winning over critics and radio programmers worldwide. 

 

Michael

Michael McDermott

Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
Tuckerton, NJ

Michael McDermott’s brand of rock n’ roll brims with the kind of well-honed style and wisdom that can only come from a career on the road and a pedigree in the studio. Effortlessly blending natural folk sensibility, pop hooks, and honest rock, McDermott’s music is as much for the outcast as the congregation. It’s an exploration of the dark corners of life’s journey and it resonates middle class truths through the passionate filter of a kid that grew up on Chicago’s Irish South Side.

 

10,000

10,000 Maniacs

Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ

10,000 Maniacs – 45 Years of Timeless Music

 

ADVANCED EVENTS

To search for a single date, choose the same starting and ending date.

Starting Date:
     

Ending Date:
     

 All Events   art   comedy 
 dance   film   kids 
 music   theatre   community 

 North Jersey 
 Central Jersey
 South Jersey


 


EVENT PREVIEWS

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.



Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki

Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.



Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday

Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition.  The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.



Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell

Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell

(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Song of the Meadowlark takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Highland Design Farm. This is a meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry, and live painting. Doors are at 2:00pm, showtime is 2:30pm.



Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither

Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Chris Smither will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother's ukulele.



Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre

Rufus Wainwright to Perform with Princeton "Super-Orchestra" at McCarter Theatre

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:30pm, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright takes the McCarter stage for one night only with the Princeton Playhouse Sinfonia, a dynamic new collaborative ensemble created specifically for this concert.



Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor

Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor

(PRINCETON, NJ) — The Princeton Folk Music Society presents Kate Taylor on Friday, November 20, 2026 in an evening of upbeat and bubbling song filled with enthusiasm and love. The concert takes place at Christ Congregation Church in Princeton. Showtime is 8:00pm. A livestream option is available as well.



Private Eyes Brings the Greatest Hits of Hall & Oates to the Strand Center for the Arts

Private Eyes Brings the Greatest Hits of Hall & Oates to the Strand Center for the Arts

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Few musical acts defined the sound of the late 1970s and 1980s quite like Daryl Hall and John Oates. On Friday, November 20, 2026, the Strand Center for the Arts will celebrate their extraordinary catalog when Private Eyes – The Premier Tribute To Daryl Hall & John Oates takes the stage for an evening of classic pop, rock, and blue-eyed soul. Showtime is 8:00pm.



NJPAC to Celebrate Ben Vereen

NJPAC to Celebrate Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday with All-Star Concert on November 21st

(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Ben Vereen's 80th Birthday Concert on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 8:00pm. This special one-night only celebration is part of NJPAC’s 2026 TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 6-22). Several of today's leading Broadway stars and vocalists unite for a spectacular birthday bash performance toasting the legendary actor/dancer/singer Ben Vereen who turns 80 on October 10, 2026.



Musicians on a Mission to Celebrate 16th Anniversary with Gala Concert at Jersey Shore Arts Center

Musicians on a Mission to Celebrate 16th Anniversary with Gala Concert at Jersey Shore Arts Center

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Musicians on a Mission (MOAM) will celebrate sixteen years of friends helping friends through music with a special anniversary gala and concert on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove.


 

 


 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Gates" by The Carousers

More than 70 acts have banded together to support the Eden Autism school in Princeton. Carousers vocalist-guitarist Joey Affatato organized and curated "Play for Purpose, Vol. 2," a music compilation to give back to the organization that holds a very special place in his heart. His brother, Alex, attends the Adult Services Day Program. 




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 11/13/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from November 10-16, 2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Josephine" by Emily Grove





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

(ELMONT, N) -- Grammy Award-nominated, chart-topping, multi-platinum artist Alex Warren will bring his Finding (More) Family On The Road World Tour back to North America this Spring. Promoted by Live Nation, the 26-city North American leg will make a stop at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY for his only New York Metro area performance, on May 5, 2027. Bebe Stockwell and Faouzia will join as support on select dates.


Makin Waves with Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of TSO




Stangl Stage presents John Gorka




Phoebe Bridgers Announces 2027 Dates For "The Lost Tour"




Independent Producer and Writer Karen Morris Announces "The Swingin' Angle" Project






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Mahwah Museum Hosts "Les Paul from Start to Finish" with Jim Wysocki

(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.


Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition to take place on Sunday




Song of the Meadowlark takes place on Sunday in Hopewell




Avenel Performing Arts Center presents Chris Smither






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates